Exclusive: Jason Wu Talks All Things Sparkly, Glittery, And Shiny

Exclusive: Jason Wu Talks All Things Sparkly, Glittery, And Shiny

Sparkle on dresses and peplums with pleating: These are a few of our favorite things. Throw in names like Jason Wu and Swarovski? Now you've really got our attention. So, when we had the chance to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Jason Wu resort collection, featuring Swarovski Elements, we practically jumped for joy. We were even able to squeeze in a few burning questions for the man behind the design magic — Jason Wu, himself.

Like us, it seems that the New York designer has a penchant for sparkle, too. And, as we expected, he executed his resort '13 collection with the utmost attention to detail. The results: brilliant, bright, sophisticated, and glamorous.

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Tell us about your inspiration for the resort '13 collection. How did Swarovski blend into the designs?
"I was inspired by artist Mike Libby, who makes these amazing taxidermy beetles that are combined with vintage watch parts. It made me think of the idea of a 'man-made' nature, which was the starting point for this collection. I thought the 'bugs' made out of Swarovski Elements had a robotic look to them — which was quite interesting. But they also serve as beautiful jewelry, like embellishment for the clothes."

What's your philosophy when it comes to sparkle? More is more, less is more...how do you find balance?
"I always love a lot of sparkle, but I think crystals must be used in a thoughtful, restrained way. I particularly love the contrast of using crystal for day, which really jives with the 'dressed up all the time' aesthetic of my clothes."

Click through for Wu's resort picks for the First Lady!

Photo: Courtesy of Swarovski

What's the appropriate way for a dude to wear a little shine and sparkle?
"I love a beautiful watch with diamonds."

Resort collections certainly suggest an amazing vacation on the horizon. Where are you headed next? And what are you packing?
"I am headed to Turks and Caicos with friends; it is one of my favorite vacation spots because it is so relaxing. And I'm packing this new book called Full Service, which is apparently quite salacious."

Michelle Obama is obviously a huge fan of your work. What's the one piece from resort '13 that you'd love to see on her, perhaps for next year's Vineyard trip?
"I think the First Lady would look amazing in the coral sheath with embellished neckline — with a little longer hem, of course."